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Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup - Cozy, Savory, and Simple

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs are more forgiving)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional but adds sweetness)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo) or 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 cups chopped baby spinach or kale
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for sautéing aromatics or finishing)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prep the base: Add onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper, garlic, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth and stir.
  2. Nestle in the chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs into the mixture. Make sure they’re mostly submerged.
  3. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken to a cutting board. Shred with two forks into bite-size pieces and return it to the pot. Discard the bay leaf.
  5. Add pasta or beans: If using pasta, stir it into the crockpot and cook on High for 15–25 minutes, until al dente. If using beans, add them now and let them warm through for 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in the greens: Add spinach or kale and cook for 5–10 minutes, just until wilted and vibrant.
  7. Finish with brightness: Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan, and olive oil if using. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Garnish and serve: Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread if you like.